Hi, it’s Raph’ from Lokki 👋
Today, I’m proud to launch the first edition of this newsletter to encourage us to think big as independent rental business owners.
​
​Why? I have amazing conversations with you every week—about the market, your struggles, your strokes of genius—and I think about the rental business every single day.
So I thought to myself: why keep my thoughts to myself? I might as well share them, build connections, and explain Lokki’s decisions to you—no holds barred.
And above all: I have a conviction that I can’t shake—alone, we get crushed; together, we make a difference.
Check your inbox every Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. đź“®
‍
The market is taking shape. So what are we going to do?
We don't rent bikes anymore—we rent experiences.
I'll start with what I've seen over the past 7 years.
When I first started with Lokki, we mainly rented regular bicycles. Electric bikes were still a niche market.
Today, the trend has reversed. And the market is rapidly moving upmarket: cargo bikes have become the big trend of 2026, with models that sometimes cost more than €5,000 to purchase.
We don't rent bikes anymore. We rent experiences.
And meanwhile, the market is taking shape. Fast.
Everyone realizes that there’s a huge market of potential customers.
So the real question—the one that’s been on my mind—is: how much room is left for freelancers?
Because I see too many of them closing up shop.
FROM THE FIELD: Doumé, MoovBike
The first bike rental business owner I worked with was Doumé, from MoovBike. He retired this year, and we ran into each other again at my village’s Music Festival.
He told me something I’ve never forgotten: “Customers don’t know how to ride a bike and don’t want to deal with the hassle.
So I deliver the bikes right to them, at the foot of the Estérel Mountains. Along with helmets, a free GPS, coffee, and a big smile.”
​
The result: he was renting out his e-bikes for over 70 € a day. Because the service was impeccable.
​
70 € when the market median is 25 € (source: Lokki). That’s what a true experience is worth.
Shall we start the discussion?
One of my beliefs is that we often sell ourselves short.
What upsets me is seeing bikes rented for less than €15 a day. Because behind that €15 are setup costs, customer service, and repairs—a thousand little tasks that the customer never sees, but that cost the business owner money.
And I think we'd all benefit from giving this work the recognition it deserves.
In my view, one way to raise prices is to build trust by standing out through service. What customers are looking for is advice, clear explanations, and a simple, personal experience—something you can only find at that particular rental company because it’s one of a kind.
Do you agree, or not at all? And for those of you who've managed to raise your prices: what are your key factors? Service, delivery, electric vehicles, high-end models, or something else?
Tell me everything. I'm collecting your feedback and sharing best practices with you.
‍
“Why should I trust you to bring me business?”
I got this text message this week. And honestly, it’s a good question.
My answer: I'm convinced that entrepreneurship isn't something you do alone.
Everyone has their own skills (I still have a hard time changing a bike tube), and that's a good thing.
On our own, we can’t reach every French person. But together, we can.
That’s the whole point: we share customers and send them all over France.
And today, we’re taking a big step forward: we’re launching the Lokki app. 📱
Our goal: to make independent rental companies accessible to everyone across France.
We'll do everything we can to: Download from the App Store · Available on Google Play
--
P.S.: Here are some links I think you'll find useful:
--
I'm looking forward to your feedback on the first edition
. See you next Wednesday at 8:45 a.m.
Raph' ✌️
Co-founder of Lokki
‍
‍
‍
.svg){kind=small}
